WOMEN AND MEN AGAINST CHILD ABUSE
PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SIBLINGS SENTENCED TO 3 LIFE TERMS FOR RAPE AND MURDER OF 2-YEAR-OLD
WMACA, along with members of the NPA and SAPS were at the JHB High Court today for the sentencing of two siblings accused of murdering 2-year-old, Athalia.
Accused 1, the mother of the child, and accused 2, the uncle were both found guilty of 2 counts of rape and 1 count of murder to which they pleaded not guilty. They pleaded guilty to count 4, which pertains to them illegally remaining in the country.
Judge Ishmael (among other things), described their crimes as pure evil, and stated that ‘murder is irreversible and therefore serious, but when against a child it is more heinous.’ He proceeded to sentence them both to 3 life term imprisonments for rape and murder because he found no substantial and compelling circumstances that would allow for a lesser sentence. They got another 18 months for illegal immigration. Additionally, both accused have been deemed unfit to deal with children, and their names will be added to the Sex Offenses Register, as well as the Child Protection Register.
While handing down sentence, the Judge went over the medical evidence that he received which to him depicted a ‘gruesome tale of suffering’. He pointed out that the accused did not give evidence and as a result, there is no version of the events from them. He also quoted evidence by Luke Lamprecht which suggests the child suffered death by instalments and torture.
One of the unanswered questions during this trial has been ‘why did you do it?’ And because the accused chose to not testify, one of the only viable explanations would be moral reprehensibility on their part. Neither showed signs of remorse.
The biological father of the child, supported by friends and family, was also in attendance today. He previously testified that he believes Athalia was sacrificed. Oil crucifixes were seen on various surfaces in the hotel room where she died.
In closing, the accused were given a window of 21 days to appeal if they choose to, starting today, and must inform the Department of Corrections and get legal counsel either paid or from legal aid.
For further comment, please contact:
Luke Lamprecht: 065 168 2971
